Lead Instructor - Outdoor Centre

Hampshire County Council; Wales; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual leave entitlement

Employee Support and Wellbeing

Flexible working options

Job summary

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre, part of Hampshire County Council, sits in the Brecon Beacons National Park and offers outdoor learning experiences led by qualified instructors. The role involves instructing and training customers and supporting day-to-day operations with health and safety at the forefront.

You will supervise equipment checks, contribute to facilities management and work with senior instructors to maintain high standards of safety and learning across mountain walking,

Qualifications

• An instructional award in at least two outdoor activities (e.g., mountain walking, climbing, caving or paddle sports).
• A higher-level instructional award in one or more outdoor activities.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.
• A relevant degree, PGCE, or equivalent qualification.
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Assessor/Trainer status.

Responsibilities

• Instruct, train and teach outdoor centre customers and support a timetabled Duty Manager role.
• Oversee operational checks and support facilities management and senior instructors in health and safety equipment checks.
• Contribute to day-to-day operations and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
• Liaise with management to maintain high standards of safety and learning across activities.

Skills

Outdoor education leadership

Safety management

Teamwork & communication

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C/4+)

Relevant degree / PGCE

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Assessor/Trainer

Job description

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre is Hampshire County Council's mountain centre, set in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, caves and waterfalls, the Centre provides young people and adults with access to challenging and inspiring outdoor learning opportunities, including mountain walking, caving, gorge walking and paddle sports, all delivered by experienced and qualified instructors. We're seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Outdoor Education professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences and inspiring people of all ages and abilities.

What you'll do: To instruct, train and teach outdoor centre customers and be involved in a timetabled Duty Manager role in order to support the outdoor centre management in day-to-day operations whilst observing health and safety principles and processes. To oversee operational checks and support facilities management and senior instructors in ensuring all Health and Safety equipment checks completed according to schedules agreed by senior management.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• An instructional award in at least two of the following activities: mountain walking, climbing, caving, or paddle sports.
• A higher-level instructional award in one or more outdoor activities.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.
• A relevant degree, PGCE, or equivalent qualification.
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Assessor/Trainer status.

You'll also have:

• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with young people and adults from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Extensive experience planning, organising and safely delivering outdoor and adventurous activities.
• Knowledge of risk assessment processes within outdoor environments.
• Experience monitoring, maintaining and managing outdoor activity equipment.
• Good ICT skills, including the ability to create and develop educational resources.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and improving your own performance.

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience working in an outdoor education residential centre.
• Experience supporting individuals with physical, emotional, mental health, or additional needs.
• Knowledge of outdoor education and its role within school curricula and youth work settings.
• Experience developing digital or web-based educational resources.
• Experience delivering Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes.
• A Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) qualification.
• Experience delivering bushcraft and primitive skills courses.

If you're passionate about outdoor learning and helping others develop confidence, skills, and resilience through adventurous activities, we'd love to hear from you.

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality services for residents and visitors. We are immensely proud that our teams are so committed to delivering the high standards that our strong reputation is built on. There are many reasons why we are an excellent choice for your next career move.

In addition to your salary, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Employee Support and Wellbeing
• A range of flexible working options

This is an opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a respected outdoor education service, working in one of the UK's most inspiring mountain environments while helping to shape high quality, safe and meaningful outdoor learning experiences.